He has difficulty with vision of knowing when and where to cut as a runner.

And that’s not even getting into his passing ability. He has the arm strength but has not shown the accuracy to lead the Tigers’ attack. You can say he hasn’t had the opportunity to show it … but there’s a reason he hasn’t been given the reins to display it.

It will be interesting to see who wins the job next but the top three main competitors will be incoming freshman Bo Nix, Joey Gatewood or freshman and former minor league baseball Cord Sandberg.

Auburn defensive back Jordyn Peters (15) blocks a Liberty punt at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov.. 17, 2018. Auburn leads Liberty 32-0 at halftime. The ball rolled out of the back of the end zone for a safety. Jake Crandall

Auburn running back JaTarvious Whitlow (28) runs the ball down the sideline at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov.. 17, 2018. The play was called back due to a holding call Auburn defeated Liberty 53-0. Jake Crandall

Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn talks with his players, led by senior defensive tackle Andrew Williams (79), before they take the field at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov.. 17, 2018. Jake Crandall

Nov 17, 2018; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Jarrett Stidham (8) tosses the ball to an official after scoring a touchdown against the Liberty Flames during the second quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports John Reed, John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

Prior to Saturday, running back Kam Martin was in college football’s witness protection program. He had not carried the ball since Oct. 20 against Ole Miss. And, he had only 10 carries the month of October.

So, what does that mean for Martin heading against the Flames? Of course, it means he would be on fire … with 15 carries for 112 yards … in the first half.

It marked his third career 100-yard rushing performance for a guy that had disappeared as an offensive weapon. Martin has 100-yard games in each of his three seasons. He rushed for a career-high 176 yards on 21 carries against Alabama A&M in 2016 and 136 yards on 14 attempts in 2017 against Georgia Southern.

Those 100-yard efforts are against less-than-stellar competition, but what would it mean for the Tigers if he could do the same next week against Alabama?

Auburn could use another weapon on the ground if it has any legitimate hopes of knocking off the top-ranked Crimson Tide.

Auburn’s offense has had difficulty staying on the field. Its inability to keep drives alive has put pressure on its defense and the Tigers have paid the price all season.

Even in a dominating win over Liberty, it was still a problem as the Tigers converted only 2 of 12 third-down attempts.

For the season, the Tigers have converted only 34 percent of their third-down tries.

By comparison, Alabama is successful on 54 percent of its third-down attempts this season. Again, for Auburn’s offense to make a dent in the Iron Bowl and put pressure on Alabama next week, the Tigers will have to improve in this area.